Device for applying a composition on human keratinous material

ABSTRACT

A device for applying a cosmetic composition on human keratinous material, the device comprising: a non-colorimetric detection system; an application system for applying the composition to keratinous material, comprising a reservoir containing the cosmetic composition; and a processor unit for controlling the application system as a function at least of data received from the detection system.

The present invention relates to treating human keratinous material, inparticular by applying a cosmetic, i.e. non therapeutic, ordermatological composition.

BACKGROUND

It is known to mask the blemishes that may be present on the skin byapplying makeup compositions, where such blemishes may be situated forexample on the face, the hands, the bust, the neck, or the entire body.

By way of example, these blemishes may be differences in color ornon-uniformities in relief such as recesses, dilated pores, or smallscars. Non-uniformities of relief may be accompanied by non-uniformitiesof color, because of shadow effects.

Although some of these non-uniformities are well accepted, many peopleare not at ease with some or all of the non-uniformities presented bytheir skin. This is particularly true of non-uniformities on skin thatis easily seen, e.g. the face, the hands, the bust, or the scalp.

In order to mask these non-uniformities, a conventional approachconsists in depositing a layer of covering composition that masks thenon-uniformity by going beyond it in all directions. The technique isquite simple since it does not require great accuracy. Its drawback isthat the result is not very natural.

Another approach consists in covering the non-uniformity in a maskingcomposition in highly accurate manner. That approach in which only theblemish itself is covered requires a great deal of attention and rapidlybecomes time-consuming when the skin presents several non-uniformities,as often happens on the face, the hands, or the neck.

Furthermore, the non-uniformities that are located in zones that aredifficult or impossible to see, e.g. the top of the scalp or certainzones of the arms or the neck, it is necessary to have the help ofanother person in order to apply the composition.

Consequently, there exists a need to camouflage blemishes of keratinousmaterial in a manner that is accurate and not too constricting for theuser.

Publication WO 2007/02195 A1 discloses a method of applying makeup inwhich an agent that modifies the reflectance of the skin is applied tothe skin by using ink jet printer technology. In one embodiment, thedevice includes a scanner and an ink jet printer, and in a single passover the skin it analyses the skin, identifies unattractivecharacteristics, calculates the improvements to be made, and applies theagent that modifies reflectance so as to obtain those improvements. Forexample, the device can give a softer appearance to the skin byidentifying pale and dark points and by applying thereflectance-modifying agent so as to darken pale points using apredefined averaging technique. The device may include means forrecognizing the treated zone, e.g. the cheek bone or the cheek so thatthe improvements made are specific to the zone being treated, e.g.making cheeks look rosy so as to give the appearance of a person inbetter health, or darkening zones under the cheek bones so as to makethem less prominent. A colorant may be deposited on certain portions ofthe skin to make it more uniform and markers that fluoresce underultraviolet illumination may be used to make it easier to recognizecertain regions during treatment. In an example seeking to simulatetanning, an agent that modifies the spectral characteristics of the skinis applied so as to reduce contrast between pale and dark zones,darkening zones of the skin in selective manner, while causing certaindetails of the skin to disappear. In another element, pale zones aroundwrinkles are darkened but the hollow zones within wrinkles are notmodified.

Publication WO 2004/090629 A2 discloses a method of printing on theskin.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,893 describes an ink jet printer suitable for beingmoved manually over the skin. The printer may have a screen fordisplaying images that are to be printed and a device that enables theimage to be personalized, e.g. by adding text or other information.

U.S. Pat. No. 6, 622,723 describes an applicator having an ink jetprinter head.

Application US 2006/0098076 discloses a system for ink jet printing onthe skin that includes means for positioning the face. The printersystem is suitable for printing hairs on the eyebrows or for printingcolor on the cheeks for blending in with a brush.

Application WO 02/01499 A2 describes a method of applying makeup bymeans of a movable applicator head supported by an arm that isarticulated so as to follow the three-dimensional shape of the zonebeing made up. The three-dimensional shape is acquired with the help ofone or more cameras. A design selected by the user can be printed usingan ink jet. The printing may serve to cover a pigment mark with the samecolor as the surrounding skin, after performing colorimetric analysisthereon.

Application DE 10153249 A1 describes a method of applying compositionson the skin by means of an ink jet printing technique. Printing may beperformed using a handpiece held by the user. In a variant, the printhead may move relative to the skin by moving a belt or a carriage on arail that is itself movable on two slideways at its ends.

Publication JP 2006-297691 discloses a printer system for printing animage on the skin, the system being fitted with means that enable thecolor of the skin to be measured. The printer system takes account ofthe color of the skin in the image that is to be reproduced, the printhead being provided with a photodetector. For example, for a dark skin,the quantity of ink is increased. In a variant, not only is thelightness of the skin taken into consideration but also its color whencalculating the image for printing.

Publication GB 2 343 657 describes a portable ink jet printer suitablefor printing a mark authorizing entry to a concert or a discotheque onthe forearm or the hand of a person. The ink that is deposited may bevisible, fluorescent, magnetic, phosphorescent, or photochromic.

Application WO 02/00189 A1 describes a method of applying a coloredcomposition on the skin in which it is possible to select a blemish onan image of the zone for treatment, which image is obtained by means ofa camera that also measures color. Image modification software makes itpossible to correct a blemish in the zone for treatment, e.g. adepigmented zone, by outlining the zone with the help of a computermouse and then printing on the corrected zone the color of thesurrounding zone.

Publication WO 03/032370 discloses an ink jet printer that can bepositioned manually on the skin in order to print a tattoo.

Publication US 2007/0114306 describes an electrostatic spray device formaking up the skin.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,190,550 discloses an installation capable of printing onthe skin, in particular on the skin of the face.

Numerous appliances are also known for printing on the nails, e.g. fromU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,931,166 and 6,035,860.

SUMMARY

First exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a device forapplying a composition on human keratinous material, the devicecomprising:

a non-colorimetric detection system;

an application system for applying the composition to keratinousmaterial; and

a processor unit for controlling the application system as a function atleast of data received from the detection system.

The device may include a handpiece including the detection system andthe application system, and possibly also the processor unit.

The device may easily be used as an “intelligent applicator” by theperson desiring to apply makeup and/or a care product, without needinghelp from another person. The device may nevertheless also be used by aprofessional in a beauty parlor, for example. The device may bemanufactured at a cost that is compatible with large-scale distribution.

The invention may be used specifically for treating non-uniformities orother blemishes of keratinous materials, without it being necessary topay particular attention to the handling of the handpiece. The inventionthus enables zones to be treated that are difficult or impossible tosee.

The device may be configured to enable detection and application to beperformed in a single pass while moving the handpiece over thekeratinous material.

The term “non-colorimetric” should be understood as meaning thatdetection is based on something other than measuring color.

The detection system may thus be sensitive to soundwaves, to moisture,to at least one predefined chemical or biological compound, to at leastone mechanical or electrical magnitude, to temperature, and/or torelief.

Detecting soundwaves may provide information about friction and surfacestate, and conductivity measurements may provide information abouthydration.

Other exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide a treatmentmethod, in particular a cosmetic treatment method, e.g. by applying acomposition, in particular a cosmetic, on human keratinous material, themethod comprising:

automatically detecting a zone for treatment of the keratinous material,detection being performed with the help of a non-colorimetric detectionsystem; and

treating the zone as detected in this way, e.g. by applying thecomposition to said zone. The treatment may be performed automatically.

The keratinous material may be formed by the skin, the lips, thefingernails, or the hair.

The application system may include at least one print head enabling thecomposition to be projected onto the keratinous material without theprint head coming into contact with the keratinous material.

The application system may also apply the composition by means of anapplicator member making contact with the keratinous material. Theapplication system may thus include an applicator member that is securedto the handpiece, being movable between a composition applicationposition where it is in contact with the keratinous material, and aposition where it is spaced apart from said keratinous material. Theapplicator member may be selected from endpieces, in particular flockedendpieces, or foam endpieces, paint brushes, applicators that retaincomposition by capillarity, felt tips, membranes, porous bodies, beads,rollers, transfer films, and flexible media.

By way of example, when in the application position, the applicatormember may have an area of contact with the skin that lies in the range1 square millimeter (mm²) to 2500 mm².

The composition may be transferred onto the keratinous material bycapillarity. The composition may optionally be deposited as a result ofthe speed of impact of the applicator member against the keratinousmaterial and/or of the force with which the applicator member is pressedagainst the keratinous material.

The applicator member may be secured to a moving portion carrying areservoir containing the composition for application, and the applicatormember may communicate with the reservoir via a capillary wick or via achannel, the channel being formed within the movable portion, forexample. The movable portion may be magnetic so as to enable it to beset into movement by a magnetic field created by an excitation coil.

Where appropriate, advantage may be taken of the movement of theapplicator member to enhance impregnation of the applicator member withcomposition. When it moves, the applicator member may release a duct,possibly under pressure, so as to enable one or more components to beinjected. When it moves, the applicator member may also create a suctioneffect for entraining a liquid.

The applicator member may move against the action of a resilient returnmember that may serve to brake the applicator member and avoid it makingcontact with the keratinous material that is too violent.

The device may include an actuator secured to the handpiece for movingthe applicator member between said positions. The device may control theactuator to bring the applicator member automatically into engagementwith the keratinous material. The actuator may be selected fromactuators that are electromagnetic, electrostatic, pneumatic, hydraulic,motor-driven, thermal, piezoelectric, or that rely on electrochemicalpolymers. In a variant, or in addition, the device may cause a soundand/or visual signal and/or a vibration to be emitted so as to warn theuser. The handpiece may be arranged to enable the user as warned in thisway to bring the applicator member selectively into contact with thekeratinous material. For example, the handpiece may include a button onwhich the user may press to control the actuator. In a variant, it isthe user who moves the applicator member manually in order to bring itinto contact with the keratinous material.

The processor unit is advantageously provided with a memory or makes useof a memory, with it being possible to use any kind of storage system,for example a universal serial bus (USB) key, anelectrically-programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a memory card, ahard disk, or optical storage. The content of the memory may beconserved after the device has been switched off.

The device may retain values that are specific to each user. Thisfunction may be very useful for use within a family, for example.

The device may include a system for acquiring at least one tolerancezone for one or more detected characteristics. By way of example, thedevice may include an interface enabling the user to adjust thetolerance zone. As a function of the tolerance threshold as predefinedor adjusted by the user, composition may be applied only on certainblemishes of keratinous material and not on others, e.g. because theothers are less visible.

Although enabling the user to adjust a tolerance zone is not essentialfor proper operation of the device, given that the tolerance zone may bepredefined, implementations of the invention make provision for thisoption. By way of example, a first approach for defining the tolerancezone consists in using numbers or a curve or a function to inform thedevice about limits of the tolerance zone. The adjustment data may beentered manually or it may be downloaded. The term “tolerance zone”should be understood as being a limit value or one or more ranges ofvalues with which the result of detection may be compared, with thedelivered data optionally being processed by the detection system.

The device may inform the user that detection has been performed withoutdifficulty. Conversely, the apparatus may inform the user that it hasnot been possible to accomplish detection.

Several actions are possible when the device determines that applicationmay take place. In particular, application may be triggeredautomatically. Where appropriate, the user may be warned that the deviceis ready for application to take place, but without application beingtriggered. For example, the result of detection may be signaled by meansof light signals, a sound, or a vibration. The processor unit may thenwait for some action on the part of the user. For example, the user mayact on the user interface, e.g. by pressing on an application button.The user may take some other action on the handpiece, for example theuser may bring the above-mentioned applicator member into contact withthe zone that is to be made up.

The applied composition may be cosmetic and pigmented. The compositionmay be photo-polymerizable.

The composition that is applied may have a color that matches the colorof the skin. The composition may be contained in a single reservoir of acomposition having a predefined color or may be formed by mixingtogether various components contained in corresponding reservoirs.

The user may place the handpiece on the skin in the zone that is to betreated or may move the handpiece progressively as treatment takesplace, causing it to slide over the skin. The user may also make use ofa plurality of handpieces, e.g. for use with different parts of thebody. The handpiece may be suitable for use on the hair or on thefingernails.

The device may include a source of vibration for subjecting theapplicator member to vibration when it makes contact with the skin. Thismay cause the outline of the deposit to be less visible and/or may makeit easier to transfer composition.

The device may put application on hold until detection stabilizes, orwhenever the result of treatment is uncertain, atypical, or unstable.The device may continue to restart detection for as long as the resultof detection varies. It is only when detected values stabilize thatapplication is launched. If the value measured by a sensor does notstabilize, the data capture corresponding to the sensor need not betaken into account.

Other exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide a method oftreating human keratinous material, in particular a cosmetic treatmentmethod, wherein a composition is applied by means of a device as definedabove.

The invention can be better understood on reading the following detaileddescription of non-limiting implementations hereof, and on examining theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows various steps in an example method of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example device made in accordance withthe invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an example device made inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a view analogous to FIG. 3 for a variant device;

FIGS. 5 and 14 are electronic schematic diagrams of example devices;

FIG. 6 shows an example of a user interface;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an example of an application system;

FIGS. 8 to 12 are fragmentary and diagrammatic axial section views ofvariant application systems; and

FIGS. 13A to 13C show steps during the operation of the FIG. 12 device.

DEVICE

In one of its exemplary embodiments and as shown diagrammatically inFIG. 2, the invention may be implemented with the help of an applicationdevice 10 that comprises: a detection system 11; an application system12; a user interface 13; and a processor unit 14, which unit may serveto receive data from the detection unit 11 and the user interface 13,and to control the application system 12.

The processor unit 14 is made with the help of any computer orelectronic means, e.g. a microcomputer, a minicomputer, amicrocontroller, a programmable logic array, or by any analog and/ordigital means enabling calculations to be performed.

The device 10 may be used to implement the method having the steps setout in FIG. 1.

The method comprises a step 20 of detecting a non-colorimetriccharacteristic of human keratinous material, a step 22 of analyzing dataderived from the detection, e.g. for the purpose of determining whetherthe data lies within a tolerance range, if so application is nottriggered, or on the contrary lies outside the tolerance range, and ifso application is triggered in a step 24.

Application may be initiated as a function of a decision threshold, alsoreferred to a tolerance zone, and this threshold may be adjusted by theuser in a step 26.

The method may be implemented iteratively, i.e. once an application hasbeen performed, the device returns to detection step 20.

Treatment

Treatment may be performed wherever the device detects a zone presentingpredefined characteristics. This treatment may comprise applying acomposition.

Compositions

The composition(s) applied will generally be in fluid form, and may bebased on water or on solvent and contain dyes that are natural orartificial, optionally fluorescent, optionally phosphorescent, pigmentsthat may be organic and/or inorganic, mixtures of these compounds, orindeed materials that are not colored but that produce optical effects.

The compounds contained in the composition may be in dispersion, may bedissolved, or they may be in an emulsion. They may also form a mixturethat is relatively unstable, and that may need to be made uniform at thetime of application.

The composition(s) may be contained in reservoirs that are easy to fillor to remove and replace.

The composition(s) may contain photo-protective agents such as UVfilters or pigments, or a mixture of colored and photo-protectiveingredients.

In one particular utilization the composition is not colored. Thisutilization is particularly advantageous for people having zones thatthey desire to protect from the sun, e.g. beauty spots, or zones lackingin pigmentation.

The composition(s) may contain additives, and in particular holdingagents and/or cosmetic agents, e.g. selected from polymers,surface-active agents, oils, waxes, silicones, fragrances, adhesives,glues, photosensitive or thermosensitive materials, gelling orthickening agents, antibacterial agents.

The composition may contain active agents selected for example fromdocosahexaenoic acid (DHA), sun filters, depilatory compositions,bleaches, depigmenting agents, peeling compositions.

The composition(s) may be inks adapted from printing technology, andalso adapted to the color that is desired.

The inks used are preferably fluid and may be based on water or onorganic solvents and may include at least one coloring agent selectedfrom natural or artificial dyes that may optionally be fluorescent orphosphorescent, organic and/or inorganic pigments, and mixtures thereof.

The ink may include one or more non-colored materials that provideoptical effects, for example a fuzzy effect.

Where appropriate, one of the printed compositions may be a base coat ora top coat in order to improve the retention of the inks, for example.

The coloring agent(s) and the non-colored agent(s) that are opticallyactive may be in a dispersion, dissolved, or in an emulsion. The mayalso form a mixture that is not very stable, and which may need to beremixed or redispersed at the time of use.

By way of example, the inks are disposed in a cartridge of a group ofcartridges so as to be easy to remove and replace.

It is possible to use one or more ink cartridges of colors thatcorrespond for example to the primary colors cyan, magenta, yellow, andblack, or to colors that are close to skin color (pink, ochre, beige,ivory, brown, . . . )

In an implementation of the invention, a single print nozzle is usedtogether with a plurality of ink cartridges of predefined colors. Forexample one to 1000, e.g. 16 colored inks are used representing a set ofcolors that are usually to be found on the skin: pale beige, yellowybeige, pinky beige, . . . . All of the cartridges may be connected to aprint head and the device may modulate the flow rate of each of thecartridges towards the print head as a function of the color that is tobe printed, with modulation being performed, for example, with the helpof electrostatic microfluidic technology.

Handpiece

The detection system 11 and the application system 12 may be groupedtogether with a single handpiece 60, as shown in FIG. 3.

This handpiece 60 may also include all or part of the user interface 13,which may include for example an on/off button, an optional slider toadjust the tolerance threshold from which application is triggered, andan indicator lamp for indicating that the detected zone is suitable forreceiving composition.

The handpiece 60 may comprise a casing having secured thereto, at leastwhile the device is in use, the detection system 11 and the applicationsystem 12, together with the user interface 13.

The handpiece 60 may house the processor unit 14, or in a variant theprocessor unit may be remote, with the handpiece 60 being connected tothe processor unit 14 as shown in FIG. 4 by means of a connection 66which may be wired or wireless, for example.

As shown, the handpiece 60 may include an end portion 67 for bringinginto contact with or close to the skin, with detection and compositionapplication taking place through the end portion.

The detection system and the application system may be in a singlehousing and close together. In a variant, the detection system and theapplication system may be in a single housing but spaced apart from eachother. Under such circumstances, and for example, the device may includemeans for detecting that the handpiece is moving relative to thekeratinous material, so as to enable application to be performed in aposition that is identified relative to the detection.

The means for detecting movement may comprise, for example: one or morewheels and one or more optical sensors of the kind to be found in acomputer mouse, for example.

The detection and application systems may be housed in two differentcasings that the user may optionally bring together during utilization.Thus, if the detection system warns the user about the presence of ablemish, the user may for example secure the application system to thedetection system, e.g. by engaging one within the other. The two systemsmay include electrical and/or fluid flow connectors that co-operate whenthe systems are assembled together. By way of example, the detectionsystem may include a channel opening out into the detection zone andenabling fluid to be transferred from the application system to theskin.

In another example, if the detection system warns the user of thepresence of a blemish, the user may merely raise the detection systemand present the application system to the same location.

The detection system and the application system may be connectedtogether by a wired or wireless connection, for the purpose oftransferring information. The detection system may inform theapplication system about the nature or the amplitude of the blemish, sothat the application system adjusts the nature and the quantity ofcompound to be applied.

In another example, the user has two apparatuses, one containing thedetection system and the other containing the detection system and theapplication system. The user can use the first apparatus, and when itdetects a blemish and issues a warning about the presence of theblemish, the user removes it and places the second apparatuses on thecorresponding zone of skin. The second apparatus then searches for theblemish and applies the composition. This may enable an initial searchfor blemishes to take place using lightweight apparatus. It is only oncethe system has found the blemish that the user needs to apply theapplication system, which is often heavier. A second advantage lies inthe modularity of this approach since it enables numerous compounds tobe used depending on the detected blemish. Thus, the user may have acollection of reservoirs adapted to a variety of blemish situations.When the detection system detects a blemish, it can instruct the user tomake use of one or another of the reservoirs containing a compoundsuitable for treating the blemish in question, for example by maskingit.

In the example of FIG. 3, the handpiece is elongate in shape, howeverthe shape of the handpiece could naturally be modified without goingbeyond the ambit of the present invention.

Application System

The application system may include a print head.

Any print technology can be suitable.

Mention can be made in particular of offset printing, photogravure,flexography, silk-screen printing, pad printing, electrophotography(also known as xerography, electrostatic printing, or laser printing),thermal printing (including in particular simple thermal printing,thermal transfer printing, or thermal sublimation printing), elcography,toner jet, magnetography, ionography (also known as ion jet, electronbeam imaging, or electrography), and ink jet printing (including inparticular so-called “continuous ink jet” and “drop on demand”technologies).

Ink can be ejected as a jet or as droplets by a piezoelectric element,by a thermal element (bubble jet), by hot-melting, or by means of avalve (valve jet).

Mention may also be made of impact printing techniques, such as forexample hammer or chain printing, needle or dot matrix printing, daisywheel printing, thimble printing, and techniques such as minispray, gasprinting, compressed air printing, liquefied gas printing, fluidizedpressure printing, such as for example airbrushes or minisprays obtainedby a moving part, e.g. a moving piezoelectric crystal.

It is also possible to use printer means comprising a movable printelement such as a sponge, a felt, a paint brush, a hollow tube, or asyringe, that contains ink that is put into contact with the skin forprinting purposes. Contact time may be adjustable and may vary forexample over the range 1/1000th of a second (s) to several seconds.

The term “printing” is used to mean delivering a composition onto thesurface of the material for treatment, and in particular the skin. Inthe meaning of the invention, printing relates to delivering thecomposition onto or beneath the surface for treatment. Thus, printermeans using needle printing technology can enable the ink to penetrateinto the stratum corneum, the epidermis, or the dermis. For thispurpose, it is possible to use strong needles or brittle needles, or thelike.

The application system may have a single print nozzle or a plurality ofnozzles in parallel. The printer system may have nozzles that arededicated to respective inks, or in a variant it may have a singlenozzle for ejecting a plurality of different inks in succession or mixedtogether while printing is taking place so as to create the color thatis to be printed.

The print head may be spaced apart from the skin so as to avoid comingdirectly into contact with the skin. This spacing may be fixed oradjustable. It is possible to adjust the spacing either directly, e.g.by turning a knob or by acting on an adjustment button that controls themovement of a motor, or else automatically. For automatic adjustment,the processor unit controls a motor to change the spacing.

If it is desired to perform sharp printing, the spacing can be adjustedto a small value, e.g. one millimeter or less, and conversely, if it isdesired to perform fuzzier printing it is possible to adjust the spacingto a greater distance, e.g. 1 cm or more.

The application system may include a print head capable of printing overthe entire surface for treatment. By way of example, the print head mayinclude one or more ink ejection nozzles. Assuming that the user movesthe handpiece along an axis X, the print head may extend perpendicularlyto the travel direction X of the apparatus.

The print head may be stationary within the apparatus or it may bemovable along an axis Y that is perpendicular to the axis X. Forexample, the apparatus may be used to perform scanning in a Y directionof the print head with or without printing taking place during carriagereturn. The carriage may be driven by stepper motors, e.g. motors thatare addressed directly by a USB port.

When the handpiece has a plurality of print heads that are stationarywithin the handpiece, the print heads may be in alignment or otherwise,for example they may be in a staggered configuration.

The handpiece may include an application system with at least one printhead that is capable of moving relative to the above-mentioned carriage,along an axis Z that is perpendicular to the axes X and Y.

The print head may be actuated mechanically during printing, e.g. bymeans of a vibrator, in order to obtain a fuzzy effect.

The handpiece may include a vacuum or blower system in order toaccelerate drying, and/or a heater system.

When the composition deposited on the keratinous material requiresexposure to light radiation, e.g. UV radiation, in order to polymerize,the handpiece may include a corresponding lighting system for assistingthe polymerization of the composition(s) concerned.

The application system may have a print line made up of a plurality ofprint elements disposed along a print line. By way of example the printelements may be nozzles that enable the color for printing locally to becreated on printing.

The printing may take place by depositing a plurality of inks ofdifferent colors in juxtaposed manner or in a manner that is at leastpartially superposed. The deposited slots of different inks mayoptionally have the same size.

The area of skin may be entirely covered by the ink(s), or gaps may beleft between the deposits of ink. Inks may be deposited on the skin in asilk-screen configuration.

When an image is printed on the skin, the image need not be uniform,i.e. printing may make use of at least one ink that is deposited innon-uniform manner over the area that is being treated.

The device may include a monitoring system enabling the user or thedevice to determine whether printing is satisfactory or whether printingneeds to be continued or corrected. By way of example, the monitoringsystem uses the acquisition system or includes a specific color detectoror camera. For example, the device may reproduce the skin that is beingtreated on a screen. Although hidden by the device, the skin can beviewed by the user, thereby enabling the user to access the result whileit is being achieved.

Since the movement of the handpiece is not necessarily rectilinear, itis possible to provide for treatment that is “point-to-point” as opposedto “line-to-line” so that printing takes place in identified positionsrelative to the skin even if the path followed by the handpiece iscurved.

Application of a Composition having a Color Matching a Skin Color

The application system may apply a composition having a color that hasbeen selected to match a skin color, even where the composition isobtained by mixing of components of different colors outside the device.

For example, the handpiece may send data related to the color of theskin to a mixing unit. The mixing unit may mix two or more components toobtain a mixture having a color that matches the color of the skin. Insome embodiments, the user may use an independent mixing unit, that isconfigured to analyse the skin and to mix at least two components toproduce a mixture having a color which matches the analyzed skin. Themixing unit may be used at, e.g., home, a point of sale, or at anysuitable location.

In other embodiments, the handpiece may send data relating to the colorof the skin to a decision unit. The decision unit may be locatedremotely and may be configured to identify, e.g., from a library ofproducts, a product having a color that matches the color of the skin.

In other embodiments, the user uses a decision unit. The decision unitis capable of analyzing the skin, to identify, e.g., in a library, aproduct having a color that matches the color of the skin. The mixingunit may be used, e.g., at home, at a point of sale, or at any suitablelocation.

The user may load a composition in the handpiece. The user may also loada product at a plurality of times throughout a particularly time frame(e.g., monthly, weekly, daily, (many times a year), to adapt the colorof the composition to natural variations of skin color at various timesduring the time period, and to the ambient light at different times(e.g., of the year) among other things.

The user may load one or more compositions in the handpiece. The lattermay analyse the color of the skin, either at each use of the deviceand/or on a regular basis (e.g., not each time the device is used). Thedevice may automatically select the product to be used or alert the userthat the user may load a specific product into the device. The devicemay store (e.g., in a memory) data that will allow identification of aproduct that matches at least one color of skin or may have access to amemory that will allow such an identification.

In some embodiments, a color of the skin is measured at a time t andproducts are made having colors corresponding to the colors that areexpected during a time At (e.g., during the year) for an individual. Theproducts may be made by mixing components of various colors (e.g., bythe user himself by identifying the products in a library of products)or by other suitable methods. The range of products and correspondingcolors may be determined by software that computes the evolution of skincolor according to personal data and/or general data. For example, ifthe skin color is measured in winter, one may make a plurality ofproducts, for example four products, one product corresponding to theskin color as measured, and the other products corresponding to expectedcolors at spring, summer, and autumn. Notably, any suitable time periodmay be used, and use of the seasons is intended as exemplary only.

The software may utilize, for example, statistical rules of evolution ofthe color of different categories of skin during the year for makingsuch determinations related to colors.

The software may also take into account personal factors such as forexample, the user's surroundings, a user's life style a habits, theplaces and dates of holidays/vacations and other suitable factor.

In some embodiments, the software may take into account weather datasuch as sun exposure.

The device may, by analyzing the color of the skin, either at each useor on a regular basis but not necessarily at each use, select a productand use this product, or it may alert the user that he may load aspecific product. This may store in a memory or have access to a memorythat will allow identification of th product that matches or is aclosest match to the color of the skin. The device may comprise a timerthat provides information relating to particular time periods (e.g.,calendar dates) and may facilitate selection of the product to use.

The software may comprise a learning system that may enable improvementsin the predictions.

One may pre-set the color of the composition. One may set, in a precisemanner the color later, using the preselect color and adding to suchpreselect color, additional color components. The first setting may bedone at for example, a store and the later setting may be made at, forexample, home, either in the device itself or outside the device.

It may be possible to identify a color that matches the color of theskin and to make or select at least two products having colors that aredifferent from the current matching color with for example the currentcolor of the skin between them.

EXAMPLE 1 Contact Application System

FIG. 7 shows an example of an application system 12 of the kind that canbe found in the handpiece 60. The application system 12 may comprise acasing 69 that is stationary relative to a housing 63 of the handpiece,with an electromagnet 85 being contained therein serving to move amoving portion 86 along an axis Z against the action of a resilientreturn member 87. This member limits stroke and attenuates movement soas to avoid any sudden impact against the skin.

In the example shown, the movable portion 86 carries the applicatormember 90 that is to come into contact with the keratinous material whenthe electromagnet 85 is electrically excited.

When excitation of the electromagnet 85 ceases, the resilient returnmember 87 returns the movable portion 86 rearwards.

In order to damp the return movement of the movable portion 86, theapplication system 12 may include a damper member 95, e.g. formed by aresilient return member that is compressed when the rearward movement ofthe movable portion 86 exceeds a predefined stroke.

The movable portion 86 may include a reservoir 100 containing thecomposition for application on the keratinous material, and incommunication with the applicator member 90.

By way of example the reservoir 100 is made of plastics material and isopen at one end.

The applicator member 90 may be a porous felt tip that communicates withthe reservoir. Thus, the composition contained in the reservoir migratesby capillarity through the applicator member.

The movable portion 86 may be made magnetic by means of an iron ring,e.g. having a length of about 2 centimeters (cm). The reservoir 100 maybe adhesively-bonded to the ring.

By way of example, the winding 85 a of the electromagnet may becontained in a soft iron part 85 that is U-shaped, with a hole in themiddle. A U-shape has the advantage of concentrating the magnetic fieldcreated by the winding in its center, thereby attracting the movableportion by moving it to the left in FIG. 7.

In a variant that is not shown, the application system 12 is movablerelative to the housing 63 of the handpiece against the return action ofa resilient return member, and the application system 12 may be securedto a skirt for coming into contact with the skin. Preferably, the skirtis made of an elastically-deformable material so as to match the shapeof the region being treated.

Processor Unit and User interface

The base station and/or the handpiece may contain an electronics cardcarrying the processor unit 14, its memory 206, e.g. of the EPROM type,an analog-digital converter 208, an oscillator 209, clocked at 24megahertz (MHz), for example, a power module 210, and a general powersupply 215.

By way of example, the processor unit 14 is a programmable logic array,e.g. from the supplier Altera under the reference Cyclone III EPC 3.

As shown in FIG. 6, four buttons 220 and three liquid crystal displays200 may be carried by a front plate that is incorporated in thehandpiece or in the base station, with the displays and the buttonsbeing connected to the processor unit 14, e.g. via a serial connection.

On being switched on, the program that controls the operation of theprocessor unit is loaded from the memory 206.

As shown in FIG. 5, the device may also include an on/off button 277,and an indicator lamp 278 informing the user that an out-of-tolerancezone has been detected. By way of example, the lamp 278 is placed on thehandpiece, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

By way of example, the converter 208 is an AD7794 converter having sixinputs from the supplier Analog Device, and it may incorporate asix-input analog multiplexer.

By way of example, the power module 210 comprises an operationalamplifier and a power stage including power transistors suitable forgenerating currents of several amps for the purpose of exciting the coil85 a and of setting the movable portion 86 of the application systeminto motion, as described with reference to FIG. 7.

Detection System Responsive to Soundwaves

The handpiece may include a microphone in order to sense noiserepresentative of rubbing against the skin.

By way of example, the device is made with the electronic circuitdescribed above with reference to FIG. 5 and the application system ofFIG. 7.

A microphone 310 may be fastened to the casing 69 as shown in FIG. 8,the microphone 310 being constituted for example by a unidirectionalmicrophone of the kind sold by the supplier Projects Unlimited, underthe reference PUM 3546L-R.

It is also possible to fasten a ring 315, e.g. a PTFE ring at the frontof the handpiece. The ring 315 is in contact with the skin and creates anoise in the event of roughness. It allows the movable portion 86 of theprint head to pass through its center.

The handpiece is connected to the base station via a sheet containingthe connection wires that enable the microphone to be connected to theanalog-to-digital converter, and containing the print control cable fromthe power module 210.

The processor unit 14 performs several functions in this example:

1) data capture from the four adjustment buttons 220. Each button 220serves to vary a register either by incrementing it or by decrementingit, e.g. a register encoded on 8 bits, with this applying to tworegisters referred to as S_(limit) and S_(action);

2) controlling the converter 208 that continuously receives analog datafrom the microphone 310, via an operational amplifier 224, e.g. of thekind sold by the supplier Analog Device under the reference OP27GSZ. Ittransforms the analog data representing sound volume into sequentialdigital values in the form of 16-bit numbers delivered at a rate of 100Hz;

3) digital data capture from the converter 208, received via a seriallink 229, e.g. of the serial peripheral interface (SPI) type;

4) converting the numerical value for sound volume from 16 bits to 8bits and storing it in a register referred to as S_(measured;)

5) sending the values of the three registers S_(min), S_(max), andS_(measured) to the three displays 200. This is done for example over aserial link in the form of ASCII code.

Comparison operations may be performed by the processor unit 14, namely:

S_(measured) may be compared with S_(limit) and S_(action) as follows:

if S_(measured)>S_(action), the processor unit instructs printing with apulse of duration d₁, e.g. 1/20th of a second (s);

if S_(measured)>S_(limit), the processor unit turns on the indicatorlight 278 that is present on the handpiece.

The processor unit thus enables the duration of the pulse delivered tobe adjusted if the result of the logical operations is to lead toprinting. Two print durations d₁ and d₂ may be provided, e.g. havingrespective lengths of 1/20 s and ⅕ s.

During printing, i.e. while the movable portion is advancing towards theskin, capture from the microphone is ignored. The apparatus cannot beactivated by the noise it makes itself.

Operation

The reservoir 100 is filled with a dispersion of fresh colored pigments.

The base station is switched on.

The memory 206 contains the values S_(limit) and S_(action). Optionally,the user adjusts the values of the registers S_(limit) and S_(action).

The handpiece is brought up to the skin. The user may place it whereverdesired, but it is advantageous to place it in a zone that containsblemishes for correcting directly, e.g. the cheeks.

The user can move the handpiece over the skin.

As soon as the device detects a zone outside the threshold S_(limit),the lamp 278 is switched on, indicating that roughness is coming closeto the threshold from which printing is triggered.

As soon as the apparatus detects a zone beyond S_(action), the basestation sends an instruction to the handpiece to perform application.Current is generated in the coil 85 a. As a result the movable portion86 moves towards the skin under the effect of the magnetic field fromthe coil. Contact is very brief and the movable portion returnsrearwards. The applicator member 90 has made contact with the skin andhas transferred color.

Since the device triggers printing only on zones of roughness that liesoutside tolerance, it follows that printing is very well localized.

The user may change ink either to change its color or its coveringpower, or else its texture or grain.

The user may also change S_(limit) or S_(action) by acting on apushbutton 220, and this can be done without it being necessary torestart the apparatus.

It is possible to replace the colored composition with a carecomposition for example, and to treat any portion of the body such asthe hair, the fingernails, the skin of the legs,

EXAMPLE 2 Handpiece

In this example, the handpiece has a plurality of print heads, e.g. fourprint heads, that are disposed side by side as shown in FIG. 9, forexample, each print head being 2.5 cm wide for example with the printheads being spaced apart from one another by 0.5 cm.

The applicator members 90 of the various print heads may be wider thanthe associated reservoirs, for example.

The ring 315 of the example of FIG. 8 is replaced by four sets of teeth318, each tooth being 1.2 mm wide and 1 cm long, for example, with twoconsecutive teeth being spaced apart by 1.2 mm, for example. By way ofexample, the teeth have rounded ends. Each set of teeth 318 is 2.5 cmlong, for example.

The sets of teeth 318 are placed ahead of the applicator members 90 inthe travel direction of the handpiece, e.g. by 5 mm, and by way ofexample they are fastened to the rear face of the handpiece by avibration-absorbing material, e.g. a gasket made of elastomer, e.g.silicone.

The four unidirectional microphones are placed close to the sets ofteeth 318, facing the skin.

The four print heads may be actuated independently of one another by thebase station.

The four corresponding reservoirs are filled with a care product, e.g. asilicone-amine at 2% by weight in a 80:20 mixture of water/ethanol.

It is possible to treat the skin, the hair, or the eyelashes, and theapparatus is recommended for non-uniform surfaces.

Base Station

The base station is made in a manner similar to that described inExample 1 so as to receive the signals from the four unidirectionalmicrophones and so as to control the four coils of the print heads.

The converter 208 converts the inputs from the four microphones, afteramplification, repeatedly and sequentially.

The processor unit analyses the measurements by comparing them withreference values for S_(limit) and S_(action).

If one or more values exceeds S_(limit), the processor unit causes theindicator lamp 278 to be switched on.

If one or more measured values exceeds S_(action), the processor unitinstructs printing via the power module.

Variants

A characteristic such as the density of keratinous material or thepresence of blood in movement may be detected with an echographic systemoperating at a wavelength that is adapted to the target accuracy anddepth.

Detection System Responsive to an Electrical Magnitude

The detection system 12 may be responsive to electrical conductivity,which may provide information about the state of moisturization of theskin, for example.

EXAMPLE 3 Handpiece

The application system is identical to that described with reference toFIG. 7, for example.

As shown in FIG. 10, a ring 410, e.g. made of PTFE may be fastened tothe front close to the applicator member. The ring 410 comes intocontact with the skin and allows the movable portion 86 of the printhead to pass through its center.

Two electrodes 415, e.g. flat electrodes made of platinum, e.g. eachpresenting an area of 50 square millimeters (mm²) may be fastened to thefront face of the ring 415.

Both electrodes 415 are fed with current, e.g. 4 microamps (μA), and thevoltage across the terminals is measured with an operational amplifier417, e.g. an AD 8675 from the supplier Analog Device, connected as adifferential amplifier.

A magnitude representative of conductivity, e.g. expressed in volts (V)is delivered continuously to the converter 208.

When the movable portion 86 advances towards the skin, voltage captureis deactivated.

Base Station

The base station is similar to that of the example shown in FIG. 5,except that the adjustment button 220 cause two respective registersV_(limit) and V_(action) to vary, either by incrementing them or bydecrementing them.

The converter 208 converts the voltage data delivered by the electrodes415 and coming from the operational amplifier 417 and transforms theanalog data representative of the voltage sequentially and at a rate of100 Hz for example into digital values in the form of numbers that arecoded on 16 bits, for example.

By way of example, the processor unit 14 performs the followingoperations:

V_(measured) is compared with V_(limit) and V_(action).

If V_(measured)>V_(action), then the processor unit 14 considers thatthe surface is too dry, and it instructs printing with a pulse durationd₁ of 1/20th s, for example.

^(If V) _(measured) then the processor unit considers that the skin ismoisturized near the limit, and instructs the lamp 278 that is presenton the handpiece to be switched on.

Operation

The reservoir 100 is filled with a composition for application, e.g.containing 80% water and 20% glycerol, by weight.

The memory 206 informs the processor unit 14 about the values V_(limit)and V_(action). The user optionally adjusts the values in theseregisters with the help of the button 220.

The handpiece is brought up to the skin. The user may place it whereverdesired, but is advantageous to place it on a zone of skin that ispoorly moisturized or that is dry, e.g. a zone that is naturally drysuch as the legs, for example, or a zone that has become dehydrated bytreatment and exposure to low temperature or to the sun, e.g. thecheeks, arms, stomach, mucous membranes such as the lips, or the hair.

The user may move the handpiece over the skin. As soon as the apparatusdetects a zone beyond V_(limit), the lamp 278 is switched on, indicatingthat the degree of moisturization is close to the limit.

As soon as the apparatus detects a zone beyond V_(action), the processorunit sends an instruction to the handpiece to perform printing and acurrent is generated in the coil 85 a. As a result, the movable portion86, under the effect of the magnetic field from the coil 85 a is movedtowards the skin.

Since the apparatus triggers printing only on zones where conductivitylies outside tolerance, it follows that printing is well localized.

The user may change the care product and switch to compositions thatcombine a care product and makeup or that perform makeup alone.

The user may also change the values of the registers V_(limit) andV_(action), without there being any need to restart the device.

EXAMPLE 4

The same device is used as in Example 3 except that the device includesa selector 243, as shown in FIG. 6, which selector is connected to theprocessor unit 14. The processor unit is programmed to recordcorresponding values V_(limit) and V_(action) depending on the positionof the selector 243 that is selected by the operator.

The processor unit causes the values V_(limit) and V_(action) to appearon the display 200.

A button 244 connected to the processor unit 14 enables the user torecord in the memory 206 the adjusted values in a correspondence table“body-V_(limit)-V_(action)”.

Operation

The reservoir 100 is filled with a treatment composition containing, byway of example: 50% water, 20% ethanol, 20% glycerol, 1% silicone-amine,and 1% DHA, all percentages being by weight.

The device is switched on. The user adjusts the selector 243 on the bodyportion that is to be treated. The memory 206 informs the processor unit14 about the register values V_(limit) and V_(action) from theabove-mentioned correspondence table.

The user makes use of the device as in Example 3, except that theadjustment of the device is changed as often as the treatment zone ischanged.

The user may change the recorded values V_(limit) and V_(action) withoutneeding to restart the apparatus.

As testing proceeds, the user may adjust the values V_(action) andV_(limit) in a personalized manner meeting the user's tastes, for eachtreatment zone.

The device may be modified by giving it a system that accepts aplurality of reservoirs. Each reservoir may contain a care product thatcorresponds to a specific portion of the body.

Since the device is informed by the selector 243 about which portion ofthe body is being treated, it is capable of switching automatically fromone reservoir to another. Under such circumstances, the handpiece mayinclude not only a system having a plurality of removable reservoirs,but also a system for selecting the reservoirs, which system is put intoaction by the processor unit, e.g. a rotary system.

EXAMPLE 5

The same base station may be used as in Example 3. The same handpiecemay be used as in Example 3, with the exception of the electrode 415,which electrodes are not arranged in the same manner.

As shown in FIG. 11, the two electrodes 415 may be placed on a clamp 420so as to face each other when the clamp 420 is closed. The clamp 420 mayopen in order to receive the surface for treatment (eyelashes, hair) andthen close onto said surface.

An abutment 425 may serve to prevent the two electrodes 415 fromtouching. The electrodes may be spaced apart by a gap of 1 mm, forexample.

Once opened, the clamp 420 sends a measurement inactivation signal tothe base station.

By way of example, the apparatus applies a care composition, based ondissolved silicone (5%) in a volatile solvent (silicone D5).

EXAMPLE 6

The detected electrical magnitude may be capacitance, and it is possibleto use a detection system made up of a plurality of cells.

By way of example, it is possible to use a system of the kind used forrecognizing fingerprints. The system is made up of a plurality ofcapacitance-measuring cells. Each cell is formed by two electrodes thatmeasure capacitance locally. When the skin is close to two electrodes,and thus to the electric field formed by the two electrodes of the cell,the skin modifies the capacitance of the cell.

An example of a system that is suitable for this utilization isconstituted, for example, by a sensor that is sold by the supplier STMicroelectronics, comprising 256×360 detection cells of size close to 50μm and operating at 14 data captures per second. The matrix sensor maybe used in association with electrodes and computer systems (drivers,PerfectPrint control system) of specifications that are given in thedocument “Advanced Datasheeet TCS1AD-Touchchip Silicon FingerprintSensor”, “Version 0.1, May 2001”, issued by the supplier STMicroelectronics.

Handpiece

The matrix sensor, e.g. of the Touchchip® type as described above isfastened to a frame, together with a print head taken from an ink jetprinter, e.g. of the Lexmark trademark.

These two elements are fastened and spaced apart by one centimeter, forexample, measured edge to edge. The frame also has two movementdetectors fastened thereto, e.g. X and Y detectors from the supplier ETCand referenced OM02 Optical Sensor. These detectors are interfaced fortransforming perceived movements into information about the situation ofthe handpiece and they may be connected to an EKM8022 mouse controllercircuit from the supplier Elan.

Four wheels may be positioned on the frame so that movement on the skinof the frame as a whole causes a zone of skin to begin by beingpositioned relative of the sensor and then relative to the print head.

Base Station

The base station may contain an ultracompact embedded PC type personalcomputer PC 104 from the supplier Advantech, referenced PCM 4170,associated with 256 Mbytes of synchronous dynamic random access memory(SDRAM), a mouse, a screen, and an Internet connection, and alsoproviding four USB extension ports.

The PC is connected by respective USB ports to the electronics of theprint head, to the displacement detector interface (EKM8022 mousecontroller (Elan)), and it is also connected to the electronics of thematrix sensor, and that is connected to the screen, the mouse, and thekeyboard.

The PC runs the software serving to warn the user when the handpiece ismoved in the wrong direction, to access data from the matrix sensor, toanalyze said data in order to extract recessed points, i.e. points thatare not in contact with the wall of the matrix sensor, and to ignorezones that are very rich in recesses. If an entire zone containingnumerous points is considered as being recessed, the processor unit doesnot interpret the zone as being pores or wrinkles but interprets thesemeasurements as faulty relief measurement by the matrix sensor, e.g.because the handpiece is poorly pressed against the skin. Under suchcircumstances, the memory is left unchanged. Furthermore, the processorunit warns the user about the poor placing.

The processor unit may retain recessed points other than those ignoredas mentioned above, so as to consider them subsequently as “skinblemishes”, such as pores or wrinkles.

The device may cause an image corresponding to the skin blemishesdetected in this way to appear on the screen.

The device may calculate an image corresponding to these pores orwrinkles being filled in, where the recessed points under considerationreceive printing while the others do not receive printing, and thendisplay on the screen an image of the recesses filled in as calculatedin this way, possibly superposed on the image of the skin blemish.

Given the way the handpiece moves over the skin, and relying on twomovement sensors and the known spacing between the matrix sensor and theprint head, the processor unit is capable of determining the moment atwhich the image is to be printed by the print head, line by line on theskin.

The processor unit may also be programmed to give the user a free choiceconcerning the color to be applied to the pores or to wrinkles. For thispurpose, the interface may display a plurality of colors and simulationson the screen.

The processor unit may be programmed to leave the user free to selectthe color for printing as a function of the size of skin blemishes,e.g.: a single color regardless of the number of pixels occupied by ablemish, or in a variant a plurality of colors associated respectivelywith blemishes of different sizes.

The processor unit may omit printing on blemishes that are too small,e.g. occupying one or two pixels.

EXAMPLE 7

The same device is used as in Example 6, with the exception that the inkin the print head is replaced by a dermatological (i.e. non cosmetic) orcare product, e.g. a myrorelaxing agent, botox, a moisturizer, or PHA.

EXAMPLE 8

The same device may be used as in Example 6, except that the ink in theprint head is replaced by a photopolymerizable composition, e.g. basedon polyvinyl acetate (PVA) functionalized by stylbazolium functions fromthe supplier Murakami.

At the end of treatment, the face is exposed to light, e.g. UV A, at adensity of 100 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²) for 5 s, so asto cause the composition deposited on the wrinkles to polymerize.

Temperature-Sensitive Detection System

The detection system may be sensitive to temperature, and for example itmay include an infrared temperature sensor.

EXAMPLE 9 Handpiece

An application system may be made that is identical to that describedwith reference to FIG. 7.

A ring 410, e.g. made of PTFE, is fastened to the front in order toprovide contact with the skin, leaving a central hole for passing themovable portion 86 of the print head, as shown in FIG. 12.

Two electrodes 415, e.g. platinum electrodes, each having a surface areaof 50 mm², are stuck to the front face of the ring 410.

These two electrodes 415 serve to determine the ring 410 is in contactwith the skin, by measuring conductivity.

A temperature detection module 505 from the supplier Dexter, referenced“Infrared Temperature Module” and making use of the ST 60 thermopilefrom the same supplier is placed facing the skin. The module has aresponse that is linear over a broad range of wavelengths and itdelivers a signal that is calibrated as a function of temperature.

Base Station

As shown in FIG. 14, the base station may include two adjustment buttons510, each button 510 serving to increment or decrement a registerT_(delta), e.g. coded on 8 bits.

The device may include a button 301 for taking a reference temperature.

The processor unit 14 reads the pulse-width modulated (PWM) typecalibrated signal delivered by the module 505, e.g. at a rate of 100 Hz,and reads the conductivity signal coming from the electrodes 415.

If conductivity is high, e.g. >1 siemens (S), then a register coded on 8bits, for example, and referred to as “contact” is set to 1. Otherwise,the register is set to 0.

The processor unit 14 controls the application of the values of threeregisters T_(delta), T_(reference), and T_(measured) which are displayedby the three displays 200.

This is performed, for example, via an ASCII-coded serial link. Theprocessor unit may cause a green indicator light to be switched on ifthe contact register is at 1, and a red light if the contact register isat 0.

When the operator presses on the reference-taking button 301, and if thecontact register is at 1, then the processor unit 14 stores in theregister T_(reference) the value T_(measured), e.g. coded on 16 bits.

When the operator does not press the button 301 and the contact registeris at 1, the processor unit 14 compares T_(measured) with the value ofT_(reference).

If T_(measured)>T_(reference)+T_(delta), then the processor unit 14instructs printing with a pulse duration of 1/20 s, for example.

If T_(measured)<T_(reference)+T_(delta), then the processor unit 14 doesnot instruct printing.

If the contact register is at 0, then the processor unit 14 prevents thereference temperature being taken and prevents temperature beingdetected.

The processor unit 14 may also serve to adjust pulse duration if theresult of calculation indicates that printing is necessary, e.g. it mayselect between two values such as ⅕ s and 1/20 s.

When switched on, the contact register is set to 0 and the registerT_(reference) is set to 30, for example.

During printing, and thus while the movable portion is advancing towardsthe skin, the temperature sensor may be inactivated.

Antibacterial and Treatment Active Agent

The reservoir 100 is filled with a treatment composition, e.g.containing 80% water and 20% glycerol, by weight, together with apreservative system, formulated on the basis of an antibacterial agent.

Operation

The base station is switched on. The memory 206 informs the processorunit 14 of the values T_(reference), T_(delta). The user may optionallyadjust the value of T_(delta).

The user brings the handpiece up to the skin and may place it wheneverdesired, however it is advantageous to place it in a zone that is likelyto present blemishes, such as the face or the bust.

The user measures a temperature in a portion that appears healthy. Forthis purpose, the user presses on the “take reference” button 301. Thetemperature T_(measured) is then displayed on the front face of the basestation, and the user releases the button 301.

The user may move the handpiece over the skin, observing the red andgreen contact lights, and adjusting the amount of pressure that isexerted so as to maintain contact.

As soon as the device detects a zone outside the limitT_(reference)+T_(delta), the handpiece deposits the care product.

The user may change the care product and switch to compositionsassociating a care product with makeup or comprising makeup alone or acomposition that contains a deodorant or an antiperspirant.

The user may also change the value T_(delta), and this can be donewithout it being necessary to restart the apparatus.

EXAMPLE 10

By way of example, the same device is used as in Example 9. However inthis example the calculation undertaken by the processor unit is notT_(reference)+T_(delta) but T_(reference)−T_(delta).

In addition, it is when T_(measured) is less thanT_(reference)−T_(delta) that printing is activated.

Any type of composition may be placed in the reservoir 100, e.g. acomposition including one or more compounds for activating bloodcirculation, one or more temperature-generating compounds (calciumsalts), one or more irritant compounds (capsaicin), or one or morepeeling compounds, e.g. glycerol acid.

Detection System Responsive to at Least One Chemical or NiologicalSpecies

The handpiece may include an invasive probe. The term “invasive probe”is used to designate a probe that penetrates into the skin, in generalthrough a distance corresponding to the epidermis (i.e. about onehundred micrometers).

The probe need penetrate into the skin only intermittently, e.g. onceevery second, or when the handpiece is moved, e.g. once everycentimeter.

The probe may be arranged to measure pH, or moisture, or to perform achemical measurement such as oxygen content or glucose content.

The probe may be coupled with a force measurement in order to inform theapparatus about the hardness of the skin. By way of example, this may bedone by incorporating a force detector in the mechanical part that holdsthe probe. When the user presses the apparatus against the skin, theprobe is caused to come into contact with the skin. The skin begins byresisting penetration. The force measured is relatively high. The factthat force is being measured informs the user, e.g. by means of anindicator light, that the probe has come into contact with the skin butthat it has not penetrated therein. Then, by continuing to applypressure, the user forces the probe to penetrate into the skin. Thisleads to a sudden drop in the measured force. The force measurement theninforms the user that penetration has taken place, e.g. by lighting anindicator light of a different color. The probe may then perform itsmeasurement and information may be sent, e.g. after a few seconds, tothe apparatus.

“Moving” Mode

The handpiece may be placed on the skin and moved gently over the skin.

The device performs a first measurement using the invasive probe, e.g. ameasurement of hydration level. If the measurement shows that thehydration level is low, the handpiece applies a moisturizer over an areathat is considerably larger than the zone in which the measurement ismade.

If the measurement shows that the hydration level is satisfactory andstandard, the handpiece does not apply any composition.

When the user moves the handpiece, it takes another measurement furtheralong, e.g. a few millimeters further along. Depending on the hydrationlevel given by the measurement, the handpiece continues to applymoisturizer or stops applying moisturizer.

“Stationary” Mode

The handpiece is placed on a given zone.

The device takes a first measurement of the hydration level using theinvasive probe.

If the measurement shows that the hydration level is low, the deviceapplies a moisturizer over an area that is considerably larger than thezone in which the measurement was performed.

If the measurement shows that the hydration level lies within anacceptable range, the device does not apply moisturizer.

A few tens of seconds later, the device takes another measurement at thesame location. Depending on the hydration level given by themeasurement, the device continues or ceases to apply the moisturizer.The device need stop only when the moisturizer has had its effect andthe hydration level has reached a predefined value.

The probe may also be used to inject an active agent, whether instationary mode or in moving handpiece mode.

EXAMPLE 11 Handpiece

It is possible to use an application system identical to that describedwith reference to FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 13, a caterpillar may be formed, e.g. having a lengthof four centimeters, made up of a strip 600 of rubber put under tensionby two wheels 605 that are secured to the housing of the applicationsystem.

The strip 600 is placed on the front face of the apparatus, facing theskin. The wheels 605 are free and the strip is free to move relative tothe handpiece when the user moves the handpiece.

A needle 610 is fastened to the strip 600. By way of example the needle610 is a fine aluminum spike. The needle 610 is placed so that itprojects and can penetrate into the skin, e.g. to a depth of 500 μm.

The needle 610 passes through the strip of rubber and it is connected toconnectors 620 that are placed in parallel and adhesively-bonded to therubber strip, e.g. using aluminum film connectors having a length of onecentimeter and spaced apart by two millimeters.

A pH minielectrode is installed in the hollow spike. The two wires fromthe pH minielectrode are connected to the two connectors 620.

Two wipers 630 are placed between the two wheels 605 so that theyautomatically make contact with the two connectors when the needle goespast the wipers 630.

FIGS. 13A to 13C show how the caterpillar moves over the skin, causingthe needle 610 to be pushed into the top layers of the skin, and thencausing the wipers 630 to be put into connection with the connectors 620that are placed on the strip 600, thereby enabling the pH minielectrodeto be read.

Other needles including pH minielectrodes may be placed on the strip onthe same principle as that described above. By way of example, the stripmay have six needles with associated minielectrodes.

The assembly comprising the strip and the wipers is placed on the frontface of the handpiece, e.g. being offset a little to avoid hinderingprinting.

An operational amplifier connected to the converter 208 amplifies thesignal from the pH minielectrodes.

Base Station

Three liquid crystal displays 200 receive the values from threeregisters P_(limit), P_(action) and P_(measured).

The front face of the base station may include adjustment buttonsenabling the registers P_(limit) and _(action) to be incremented ordecremented, which registers are coded on 8 bits, for example.

The processor unit compares P_(measured) with P_(limit) and P_(action).

If P_(measured)<P_(action) (surface too acid), the processor unit 14instructs printing, e.g. with a pulse having a duration of ⅕ s.

If P_(measured)<P_(limit), the processor unit 14 considers that the skinhas a limit level of activity, and causes a light present on thehandpiece to be switched on, also instructing printing, but with a pulsehaving a duration of 1/20 s, for example.

During printing, pH-sensing may be inactivated.

Furthermore, a time lapse controlled by the processor unit, e.g. a lapseof half a second, may be allowed between successive print operations.

Operation

The reservoir 100 is filled with an aqueous composition containingammonium carbonate buffer with pH 8.2. The composition also contains0.3% by weight of carbomer.

The base station is switched on, with the memory informing the processorunit about the values P_(limit) and P_(action). The values of theseregisters may optionally be adjusted.

The handpiece is brought up to the skin. The user may place it in anydesired location, but it is advantageous to place it in a zone that islittle or poorly hydrated, or that is dehydrated, e.g. a zone that isnaturally dry, such as the legs, for example, a zone that has beendehydrated by treatment, or a zone that has been exposed to lowtemperatures or to the sun, a zone that has been subjected to the actionof pollution, the cheeks, the arms, the stomach, the mucous membranessuch as the lips, for example, or the hair.

When the handpiece does not read any signal coming from any one of thesix pH microelectrodes, the apparatus does not perform any printing.

As soon as the device detects a zone beyond P_(limit), a light isswitched on indicating that the pH is coming close to the limit and thehandpiece begins to deposit the care product, with a printing durationof 1/20 s.

Printing may continue in this mode for 2 seconds, unless some otherinformation comes to the base station in the meanwhile.

As soon as the device detects a zone beyond P_(action), the base stationinstructs the handpiece to perform printing, e.g. with a duration ⅕ s,for depositing the care product.

Printing may continue in this mode for 3 seconds, unless some otherinformation reaches the stationary portion meanwhile.

If the device detects a zone beyond P_(limit), the base stationinstructs the handpiece not to perform printing.

The user may change the care product and switch to compositionsassociating makeup with a care product, or comprising makeup alone.

The user may also change the values of the registers P_(limit) andF_(action), and this can be done without any need to restart the device.

EXAMPLE 12

Unlike Example 11, the user begins by placing an aqueous solution ofcitrate buffer (pH 4.8) on the skin, e.g. one minute beforehand.

Variants Non-Invasive Chemical Detection Probes

pH measurements may be performed in contact with the skin.

It is possible to measure the following gases: CO₂, NO, CO, NO₂, forexample, depending on whether it is desired to deduce biologicalactivity or the presence of pollution.

It may be desired to detect liquid compounds having a boilingtemperature close to ambient temperature, e.g. solvents and residues offragrances, endogenous odor molecules, or exogenous odor molecules.

By way of example, it is possible to use detectors of the kind used inartificial noses, such as semiconductor compounds that are sensitive tothe presence of certain volatile compounds.

It is possible to detect fatty acids, other fatty compounds, to detectDNA, amino acids, and/or proteins, or salts.

EXAMPLE 13

Unlike Example 11, the strip 600 contains various different probes, e.g.for measuring pH, for ensuring calcium content, chlorine content, orsodium content.

Mechanical Detection System

It is possible to use at least one mechanical sensor, e.g. to determinethe force the skin opposes either to being pushed in, to being rubbed,or to being turned.

By way of example, it is possible to use force sensors from the supplierHoneywell.

It is also possible to use multipoint sensors. Such sensors are in theform of a matrix of spikes. The electronics of the sensor providesinformation concerning the pressure as received by each spike. The spikemay be spaced apart by less than one millimeter. The sensors may be madeup of several tens or several hundreds of spikes.

The invention is not limited to the examples described. It is possiblewithin a single handpiece to combine a plurality of detection systems ofdifferent types, such as those described above, for example.

The term “comprising a” should be understood as being synchronous with“comprising at least one”.

1. A device for applying a cosmetic composition on human keratinousmaterial, the device comprising: a non-colorimetric detection system; anapplication system for applying the composition to keratinous material,comprising a reservoir containing the cosmetic composition; and aprocessor unit for controlling the application system as a function atleast of data received from the detection system.
 2. A device accordingto claim 1, configured to enable detection and application to beperformed in a single pass.
 3. A device according to claim 1, thedetection system being sensitive to soundwaves.
 4. A device according toclaim 1, the detection system being sensitive to moisture.
 5. A deviceaccording to claim 1, the detection system being sensitive to at leastone predefined chemical or biological compound.
 6. A device according toclaim 1, the detection system being sensitive to at least one electricalmagnitude.
 7. A device according to claim 1, the detection system beingsensitive to temperature.
 8. A device according to claim 1, thedetection system being sensitive to relief.
 9. A device according to anyclaim 1, including a user interface for adjusting at least one thresholdbeyond which application is performed, as a function of data coming fromthe detection system.
 10. A device according to claim 9, enabling afirst threshold and a second threshold to be adjusted, applicationtaking place from the second threshold, and the device warning the userwhen the results of detection lie between the first and secondthresholds.
 11. A method of applying a cosmetic composition on humankeratinous material, the method comprising: automatically detecting azone for treatment of the keratinous material, detection being performedwith the help of a non-colorimetric detection system; and applying acosmetic composition to the zone as detected in this way.
 12. A methodaccording to claim 11, the keratinous material being formed by the skin.13. A method according to claim 11, application being performedautomatically by a device that is moved over the keratinous material andthat includes a non-colorimetric detection system.
 14. A methodaccording to claim 11, the detection system being selected fromdetection systems that are sensitive to soundwaves, to moisture, to atleast one predefined chemical compound, to at least one electricalmagnitude, to temperature, and/or to portions in relief.
 15. A methodaccording to claim 11, being performed by an applicator making contactwith the skin.